Bill > A06044

This bill establishes a comprehensive fare-free bus pilot program in New York City for at least one year, funded with $45 million in state funds. The program will expand on a previous pilot by creating at least 15 new fare-free bus routes across the five New York City boroughs (Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island), with a minimum of three routes in each county. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will select routes based on criteria including service equity for low-income communities, access to employment and commercial areas, and routes with high rates of operator assaults. The routes must be among the top 25% in ridership for their respective boroughs. The MTA is required to provide detailed reporting on the program's performance, including metrics like ridership, service delivery, bus speed, and operator safety. Additionally, the authority must conduct rider surveys at three, six, and twelve months to gather feedback on rider satisfaction, safety, and demographics. The bill mandates all-door boarding for these routes and requires the MTA to promote the program through various media channels. The legislation also includes provisions to prevent a planned 4% fare increase on subways and buses by allocating $160 million in state funds, with the overall goal of making transit more affordable and accessible for New Yorkers.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6044